Davis GOP, Democrats to elect leaders

Four candidates are on the ballot for chairman of the Davis County Republican Party at Saturday's convention.

At the Davis County Democrats' Convention the same day, just one name is currently on the ballot, but it's a big name for Democrats.

Both parties plan to elect their leadership at their annual conventions, which are being held at Layton High School for the Republicans and at Centerville Junior High for the Democrats.

With Republican chairman Ben Horsley electing not to run, four contenders are jockeying for votes: Shirley Bouwhuis, Thomas Clay, Don Guymon and James F. Nichols.

The convention gets under way at 8:45 a.m. at Layton High School, located at 440 Wasatch Drive, in Layton.

Democrats will begin their convention at Centerville Junior High, located at 650 S. Main, in Centerville, at 11 a.m.

The only name on the ballot for chairman is Rob Miller, who has served two terms as vice chairman for the Utah Democratic Party.

He and his family decided to give the local party a try so he can be closer to home. The vice chairman job had him traveling all over the state to recruit candidates. If elected, he said, he'll be able to work on recruiting candidates in Davis County.

He also predicts that in Republican-heavy Davis County, there are still some great fundraising opportunities to help get Democratic candidates elected.

Also Saturday, the Salt Lake County Democrats will be meeting to elect new officers, or in the case of the top two offices, re-elect current leaders.

Both current chairman Weston Clark and first vice chairman Justin Miller are running for another term unopposed. The remaining three offices have multiple candidates.

The convention starts at 8:30 a.m. with registration. It is being held at Cottonwood High School, 5175 S. 1300 East.

E-MAIL: jdougherty@desnews.com